Living the Local Life
Proudly claiming 13.2 miles of Route 66, the southeast corner of Kansas offers some unique & quirky spots to check out while in the area. Whether striking a pose or just sticking to the facts, ma'am, many Route 66 fans get their kicks with these throwback interests.
- Galena, KS Galena Mining & Historic Museum ᐧ 319 W 7th Street, Galena Open M-W-F 10am -4 pm “Housed in the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas train depot, the Galena Mining & Historical Museum contains items of local history & artifacts from the days of lead & zinc mining. Experience Galena’s amazing comeback story…& how a series of road trips by Pixar animators led to the discovery of one their most popular and beloved characters making Galena one of the ‘must see’ destinations for international Route 66 travelers.” -Galenaks.gov
- Cars on the Route ᐧ 119 N Main Street, Galena An old Kan-O-Tex service station featuring several vehicles, including the mining boom truck that inspired the character "Tow Mater" in Radiator Springs from the Pixar movie, Cars.
- Gearhead Curious ᐧ 520 S Main Street, Galena This 1939 gas station is a must-stop in Downtown Galena! Snap a picture by vintage-style Texaco gas pumps or the replica of Cars' star, Doc Hudson. Check out the Route 66 curios, artwork for the Gearhead and a place to gather to share stories.
- Southeast Kansas Nature Center ᐧ 3511 S Main Street, Galena View native animal and plant exhibits, a large collection of Native American artifacts and live insects and reptiles. Call 620-783-5207 to schedule a visit for your group.
- 3 State Marker A Great Photo Op! Stand in MO/OK/KS all in one spot! From Galena, go South on KS-26 toward Downstream Casino. At the traffic circle, exit onto Downstream Blvd. Turn on the very first left on the gravel road. The marker is approximately 1/4 mile down at the dead end.
Marsh Arch Bridge (Rainbow Bridge)
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Baxter Springs Visitor Center
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3-State Marker
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Baxter Springs, Kansas
- Marsh Arch Bridge ᐧ One of the few remaining Marsh Arch Bridges, this bridge is Instagram- worthy. Also called Rainbow Bridge, it’s the only drivable marsh arch bridge on Route 66!
- The Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum ᐧ 740 East Avenue, Baxter Springs Filled with exhibits depicting the various stages of the city's history from the days of the Osage Indians through the Civil War and the lead and zinc mining era. Exhibits include artifacts from Quantrill’s Raid on Ft. Blair, The Black Experience, Baseball History, & Route 66!
Lodging Options Near "Local Things" on Route 66 Kansas
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